What Am I to Do Now, Mama?

By Elizabeth Harris

Coy Bronson is a talented man who left the mountains of North Carolina to follow his dream to California. Despite many obstacles, Coy leans on his mothers encouragement and develops a successful career as an actor, director, producer, and writera career that takes him from Hollywood to New York and Europe during World War II.

Known for working with some of the best actors of his timeCharlton Heston, Rock Hudson, Liz Taylor, and Ethel WatersCoy is shocked when he receives news that his friend, James Dean, has been killed in a car accident. While attending his funeral, Coy sees a beautiful guest who he knows does not belong there. She is Norma Jeane and Coy has no idea that very soon, she will be accused of stealing scripts from Liz Taylor. As Coy becomes immersed in the investigation, he partners with Hudson to either force Norma to confess or uncover the real perpetrator. But when their search leads to murder, Coy is led down a path of personal memories where he relives his journey to achieve his dream.

In this compelling novel, a Hollywood director reveals a glimpse into a special relationship with his Mama and his experiences with movie icons as they face a tragedy together.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Archway Publishing
• Release date: Sep 30, 2014
• ISBN: 9781480811522

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Copyright © 2014 Elizabeth Harris.

Cover by Bob Durand Design.

Edited by Karen Durand.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Certain characters in this work are historical figures, and certain events portrayed did take place. However, this is a work of fiction. All of the other characters, names, and events as well as all places, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Archway Publishing

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

ISBN: 978-1-4808-1153-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4808-1151-5 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4808-1152-2 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2014917262

Archway Publishing rev. date: 9/29/2014

Contents

1   Farewell to Jimmy

2   Encounters

3   Missing Scripts

4   Puzzling Death

5   Enlisted

6   Senior Year

7   Problems with the Help

8   New Guest in the House

9   Bitter-Sweet

10 Long Trip

11 Getting Familiar with Basic Training

12 Waking up to Reality

13 Endurance

14 Nightmare Completed

15 Graduation

16 Beginning a New Life

17 Learning Entertainment

18 USO and Camp Shows

19 Entertainment in England

20 Entertainment in Germany

21 Returning Home

22 Mama’s Vision

23 Reunited with Mama

24 Love Story

25 Scholarship

26 Acting Career

27 New York

28 Pursuing My Dream in Hollywood

29 New Career

30 Pasadena Playhouse

31 Change in Plans

32 Moving Home

33 Losing Mama

34 Different Lifestyle

35 Mystery

This novel is in memory of my Uncle Charles Revis, aka Coy Bronson and his contribution to the entertainment field.

Acknowledgments

What Am I to Do Now, Mama? could not have been written without the aid of many special people. I would like to give a special thanks to my husband, John for his support and guidance. I especially want to thank many of my friends and family for their encouragement. To my friend Wanda Simmons for all her support and suggestions. Thanks to my published author friend, Sharon Spence Baker for inspiring me to write this book.

A big thanks to my daughter Jacqueline Cooper, sister-in-law Cathy Revis, and her mother Mildred for volunteered time to give me their suggested input which became invaluable.

The contents of this book were dependent on vital information given to me by my cousins, Doris Capps, Martha Morgan, Joan Ledford, and David Bradley. Many thanks also to the citizens of Fairmount, Indiana for their information and support.

Chapter 1

Farewell to Jimmy

Coy, I’ll get the phone while you’re eating.

Hello, this is Coy Bronson’s residence. Yes, Coy is here. Would you like to speak to him? I overheard Nick Adams ask.

Coy, I think you need to take this call. It’s Elizabeth Taylor, Nick said as he handed me the phone.

Hello, this is Coy.

Hi, Coy, this is Liz. I have some very sad news. I wanted to call and let you know that James Dean was killed in a car accident on Friday in Paso Robles, just outside of Salinas, California.

My heart dropped to my stomach; I felt shocked and disoriented.

"What! Jimmy was killed? He was only twenty-four years old. This can’t be true! Jimmy told me he was not competing but only going to watch the race. I just saw him the night before at the Villa Capri restaurant in Hollywood. We were relaxing with several friends and talking about all the events of their previous day’s filming on the movie Giant."

"I’m afraid it’s true, Coy. He was not racing. He was en route to see the races in Salinas in his Porsche Spyder. The car that hit Jimmy did not see him coming. Jimmy attempted to swerve and tried to miss the other car, but the impact was unavoidable.

The police officer told us Rolf, Jimmy’s mechanic, was thrown from the car but was not seriously hurt. The man driving the car that hit Jimmy only suffered minor injuries. However, Jimmy was raced by ambulance to the nearest hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival."

I’m still in shock. Just the other night while we were dining, Jimmy leaned over to me and whispered, ‘Coy, why don’t you take a ride with me on Friday to a race in Salinas? I want you to see my new silver Porsche Spyder.’"

What did you tell Jimmy after he asked you to ride with him?

"I told him; I would love to ride along, but needed to be on the set early Friday morning. I didn’t think it would be such a good idea for me to leave and not complete what I was doing.

Jimmy said he would love to race the Spyder, but it didn’t have the mileage required to compete in the race.

I was having difficulty talking to Liz at this point without breaking down crying.

I’m so sorry, Liz. This is such a terrible shock!

Coy, knowing you and Jimmy were best friends, I wanted to call you first before you saw it on TV, or read it in the newspaper, Liz said, her voice breaking up with emotion.

Liz, I think you know how I feel about Mr. and Mrs. Winslow, Markie, and Jimmy.

Later that week I received a phone call from Mrs. Winslow.

Coy, have you heard about James’ accident?

Yes, I did hear it from one of our good friends. I’m so sorry to hear about Jimmy.

"Coy, our family would like you to attend the funeral on Tuesday if you can. The service will be at three o’clock at the Fairmount Friends Church. If you are able to come, we will have a parking space reserved for you marked for family members only.

I think you know how all of us feel about you, Coy. You have been a part of our family for a while now. We always enjoyed you coming with James to the farm and keeping us entertained, Mrs. Winslow stated in a soothing tone.

She always knew exactly what to say to comfort me when I was troubled.

Sure, Mrs. Winslow, you can count on me attending the funeral.

We said our good-byes and hung up the phone.

I had difficulty sleeping that night after my conversation with Mrs. Winslow. After finally falling asleep in the early morning hours, I awoke suddenly in the middle of a horrible dream. In my dream, I relived my whole conversation. Just hearing her voice and knowing how distraught she was over losing Jimmy, made my heart go out to her. I was devastated about the news of Jimmy’s death.

The next morning I drove down to a local car lot in search of a car to rent to drive to Indiana. As I walked around looking at the different cars, I spotted a brightgreen Ford station wagon and knew right away I wanted this car. I asked the sales-clerk to bring me the paper work for me to sign and explained I wanted to rent the car for a week. The man disappeared for a few minutes.

Sir, please come inside and we can finalize the transaction.

Sir, I only need to rent this car for one week, not to purchase it, I commented to the salesclerk while looking down at a large stack of papers.

I understand sir, but we still need all the paperwork filled out.

I couldn’t wait to get out of that office. As soon as the man handed me the keys, I drove off.

While on my way home, I decided I needed to find something unusual to wear to the funeral. I knew I must disguise my appearance. I wanted to attend the funeral without the reporters and news media hovering around me, asking to take pictures, or to do interviews. I felt safe knowing that no one would ever imagine me driving up in such a hideous green station wagon.

When I arrived home, I rummaged through my closet and discovered an old black suit and a short brim hat to wear. Jimmy and I would often find ways to disguise ourselves to avoid the press. We had purchased different colors of wigs, driven clunker cars, and wore hideous clothes. We actually enjoyed throwing the press off the track and many times would sit and laugh for hours about how we were able to fool everyone.

Getting up this morning I knew the drive to Fairmount, Indiana would be the longest drive of my life. I tried to keep my cool, thinking of all the great times Jimmy and I had spent together in Hollywood and at his home in Indiana.

After driving for three days, I finally arrived. As I looked at my map, I knew the church was not far from me and knew I should be seeing it soon. Looking straight ahead, I saw the most magnificent site; an impressive majestic red brick church. The church had several steps leading up to the front entrance. I could not keep my eyes off it. I sat in the car at the top of the hill, marveling over such a splendid piece of architecture.

I noticed cars lined both sides of the street, parked under tall oak trees that were just beginning to turn a slight array of fall color. I knew Jimmy would have loved his funeral to be on such a beautiful fall day as this. Of the times I had visited Jimmy here in Fairmount on his family farm, he had never shown me this beautiful church.

People were walking from all directions, hurrying to get inside the church before the service began. As people were getting out of their cars, I saw news reporters stopping attendees asking questions and taking pictures. I noticed many people seemed to be upset at this delay, because it kept them from getting into the church in time for the service. This was the very reason I did not want anyone to recognize me in the first place.

Finally, I found an empty designated parking space. I sat in the car until I thought everyone had gone inside the church. Just as I opened my car door, a short dumpy man with a badge on his lapel showing he worked for the funeral home, approached me.

Sir, these spaces are for family members only. Are you a member of the family?

Yes, actually I am, I replied.

Trying hard to hold back the tears and not showing how upset I was in front of the attendant, became impossible. Seeing the many hundreds of people attending Jimmy’s funeral seemed to bring Jimmy’s death to reality.

Sir, are you okay? the attendant asked.

Unable to answer the attendant, I just nodded to let him know I was okay. He recognized how upset I was without pressing the issue any further.

The attendant opened my door. I stepped out of the car and noticed reporters were everywhere!

Follow me, the attendant said. I will lead you through the reporters.

Just as we arrived outside the door of the church, I saw sweet little Mrs. Winslow, Jimmy’s aunt, standing in the doorway. Tears began flowing down her face upon seeing me.

Mrs. Winslow walked up, gave me a big hug and insisted I sit with her and the family. She stood dressed in a tailored black suit with a small black pillbox hat, and looked as beautiful as always. She still fit the part of being a very refined and proper woman, showing her loving and caring traits for her family and friends.

This time she did not have that smile I would always see when welcoming me during my visits to the farm. I could tell her heart was breaking with Jimmy’s death. It was obvious from her frail body, her gray hair, and the wrinkles on her face that she had lost someone whom she considered her own son. As I looked deep into her eyes, I saw an empty blank stare full of sadness.

Coy, I am so glad you were able to come today. The whole family knows how close you and James were. We have always considered you family.

Yes, Jimmy and I were big buddies and had many fun times on your farm. I wouldn’t have missed his funeral, I replied.

Mrs. Winslow excused the attendant, leaving him standing in the doorway, puzzled at why she came out to get me and not any other guest standing in line.

She took my hand, and escorted me into the church, walking through hundreds of people standing all around inside. I noticed all the seats were taken with the exception of a couple that were marked reserved.

When we spotted them, Mrs. Winslow and I sat down. I could not help but to look up and see all the beautiful stained glass windows. Each window in the church had many colors depicting different Bible scenes. As the sun shone through the windows, two of these scenes caught my eye. One showed a white dove looking down, and the other was a beautiful Bible etched with the words Holy Bible. At the front of the church, I noticed a huge arch with recessed lighting that resembled praying hands. As I looked down and viewed the sunlight shining on the mahogany pews, it made them almost too beautiful to sit on.

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Fairmount Friends Church

"Coy, since the church only holds six-hundred people, I was so afraid you would be left standing outside. This is why I mentioned to you when I called last week that we would have a parking space reserved for you. I wanted to make sure you sat with us.

James had mentioned to some of his family that, if anything ever happened to him, he wanted the twenty-third Psalm read and to have everyone say the Lord’s Prayer at his funeral. Our family had remembered his request, and the minister will be carrying out his wishes, Mrs. Winslow whispered, trying not to disturb the service.

Mrs. Winslow, do you still play the pipe organ here?

"No, I actually play the organ at the Back Creek Friends Church where we attend close to our house. Since our church is too small to accommodate the number of people we knew would attend James’ funeral, we decided to have his funeral here instead.

I can’t believe you remembered I played the organ.

I just remembered Jimmy mentioned how well you play and how he loved to hear your music selections, especially when you used the chimes.

The service was short, but the message was very touching. The minister mentioned all of Jimmy’s accomplishments and told how loving and caring the Winslow’s were, how respected they were in the community, how much the family loved Jimmy, and how proud they were of him. The minister then proceeded to read Psalm 23.

Looking around the room during the service, I recognized many friends and colleagues Jimmy and I had been involved with for the past five years. I saw our good friends, Nick Adams, Jack Simmons, and Lew Bracker. Just as I turned my head, I noticed Henry Ginsberg, the producer of the movie Giant, standing and talking with someone. I was really impressed he would come, especially now that the movie was still being filmed. Jimmy was working on the movie just before his accident. Many others I didn’t recognize were sitting close to the back of the church. Jimmy had told me earlier that he had asked Ursula to go with him to San Francisco the day of his accident, but I noticed she wasn’t here today. Probably because she had turned Jimmy down. I was not too shocked to see so many people here, since many fellow actors and fans liked Jimmy.

Everyone, please stand in repeating the Lord’s Prayer with me, the minister continued.

As soon as we finished the prayer, the funeral director came marching down the aisle and stood waiting the six pallbearers, who were walking down from the balcony to meet him. They proceeded to Jimmy’s closed casket, lifted the casket, walked down the aisle, and carefully slid the casket into the funeral hearse. They left for the Winslow family plot in Park Cemetery to lay Jimmy to rest. The funeral director came over to where the family was sitting and asked the family to follow him to the front foyer of the church to greet friends as they left the church.

I tried to cover up my emotions by keeping my head down, but without success. My handkerchief was soaked with tears. As the family approached the front foyer, I slowly moved to the side, leaving the church, and not wanting to stay in the greeting line.

As I began walking down the hill to my car, all of a sudden, a glamorous sexy blonde-haired girl wearing a sleek lowcut black dress, with ruby red lips came over, stopped me, and asked,

Coy, honey, do you have a minute?

Chapter 2

Encounters

Norma Jeane, sure, I have time for you, you sexy woman! What are you doing here at Jimmy’s funeral? I thought you were not coming, I said with a sarcastic voice.

"Why would you say that, sweetie? Although Jimmy and I were not impressed with one another, I still thought I should come; if for no other reason than just seeing several of my friends that I have not seen in forever. I wanted to at least show up for appearance’s sake. Since there were no seats available in the church, I just sat on the curb until the service was over.

"Coy, I know you were surprised when you saw me. I wanted you to know I was here and how sorry I was to hear about Jimmy’s death. Since I just served as a celebrity usher for Jimmy’s benefit premier of East of Eden in February, I thought I would make myself known here today," Norma Jeane, better known as Marilyn Monroe, whispered.

What would you like to talk about, Norma Jeane? I really don’t have time to get started in a conversation right now. We can talk after we get back to Hollywood, I said abruptly.

Without saying a word, Norma Jeane rolled her eyes, turned, threw her head back, and twitched her hips as she walked quickly down the hill. She always did this if she didn’t get all the attention she wanted.

As soon as Norma Jeane left, I walked slowly down the hill thinking of what the minister had said about what a wonderful family Jimmy had, and trying to forget about Norma Jeane and her problems.

Suddenly, I looked up and noticed Nick Adams waving for me to stop and wait for him. I stopped until he caught up with me. Nick and Jimmy had become good friends while working on the set together on the production of Giant."

Coy, I saw you walking in the church today with Mrs. Winslow. I did not realize you were such good friends with Jimmy’s family, until you picked up your phone last week when I stopped by to see you on my way to the set. After I overheard your conversation with Liz telling you about Jimmy’s accident, I saw how upset you were and didn’t want to ask you any questions right then. I felt sure we would have a chance to talk later. I knew you and Jimmy were friends but did not realize you even knew his family here in Indiana. Now that we have a few minutes to talk, I would love to hear about Jimmy’s family.

"Nick, sorry I didn’t see you in the service today, or I would have stopped to talk to you. Jimmy and I have been friends since I moved to Hollywood a few years ago. I would consider him one of my best friends. Jimmy’s family has always treated me just like one of the family. Each time I visited Indiana with him, they would always have a big cookout, with hamburgers, hot dogs, and all the fixings. Mrs. Winslow’s apple pies were wonderful as well. Since I lived so far from home, it was very seldom I got a home cooked meal. I usually would pick up something from a deli and bring it back to my apartment or go out to eat with the gang. Jimmy’s mother had always reminded me so much of my mama. They were both exceptionally good cooks.

I also remembered having so much fun swimming in an old swimming hole that Jimmy, Markie, and I had built up with rocks around the sides. We spent many hours out there goofing off and seeing who could hold his head under the water the longest. Of course, Jimmy always won that game. Are you sure Nick, you have time to hear all about Jimmy’s family?

Yes, I want to hear all you know. Jimmy and I were great friends too. It would mean a lot to know more about his family. He really didn’t talk about his family and personal life to me.

Nick, don’t look now! Guess who is running toward us! Here comes Norma Jeane. She probably thinks we are talking about her, since I gave her the cold shoulder and wouldn’t talk to her when she approached me after the service as I walked to my car.

Coy, why are you here talking with Nick when you wouldn’t talk to me earlier? Do you think Nick is sexier than I am? Norma Jeane asked.

"I thought you were already gone, driving back to Hollywood. No, I really do not have time to answer your questions right now.

Nick and I are puzzled why you showed up today. Do not try to tell us it was for Jimmy’s funeral. You not only stayed outside, but also didn’t even give your respects to his family. I know you had some other motive to be here other than just to pay your respects.

Nick just stood speechless.

Norma Jeane, until you tell us why you came today, I have nothing to say to you. This conversation is ending right now. I feel you should leave, I yelled.

With hands on her hips, Norma Jeane turned, leaned back, slapped my face, tilted her head, and paraded off to her car and drove away.

Nick, I guess that was not what she wanted to hear.

I guess not. Are you all right? I didn’t know what to do or say. Norma Jeane completely dumbfounded me!

I’m fine, Nick. Don’t worry about me. I’m so sorry Norma Jeane had to make such a scene in front of you. Sometimes I think she should play a part in the comics. There is always such drama when she is around.

After I regained my composure, Nick and I started walking to my car. I could not believe what had just happened. I looked around to see if anyone other than the two of us were looking. I noticed one man passed us, looked at me straight in the eyes, grinned, didn’t say a word, and just kept walking. Thank goodness, no one else was around to witness all the drama.

"Okay, Nick, we can continue our conversation later. You know the reporters will see us standing here eventually and give us the third degree. Come, follow me, and we can at least sit in my car and talk.

I was hoping that Julie Harris would be able to attend today. Julie is such a beautiful brunette who always shows kindness and compassion with a warm loving heart to everyone. She sometimes gave Jimmy the attention he needed. A few times after he talked to Julie, he would tell me that she had a calming effect on him. He really respected her, not only as an actress, but also as a woman. I know she would have been here if at all possible. She told me she felt torn, because she had to miss the funeral to work on the set. Julie always said she was not attracted to Jimmy but loved his spirit and thought he was a remarkable and a touching person.

"Coy, I think I have heard Julie say some of those same words before. I know she tried to treat everyone as she would like to be treated. I know she and Jimmy loved working together in East of Eden.

Please continue telling me about Jimmy and his family.

"I hope you have lots of time for this, but hopefully we can talk and not be bothered again.

"Jimmy was only nine years old when his mother passed away. Soon after her death, Jimmy’s grandmother asked his father, Winton, if he would give his permission for Jimmy to go live with his wife’s sister Ortense, and her husband Marcus Winslow, who lived in Indiana.

"Winton didn’t